Henderson unconcerned as Buveur D'Air falls short at HaydockPosted on Saturday 23rd January 2021 @ 16.32

Trainer Nicky Henderson says he will "stick to the plan" with Buveur D'Air despite Saturday's defeat at Haydock.

Buveur D'Air finished second behind Navajo Pass in the Grade 2 Unibet The New One Hurdle in his first outing since November 2019.

The 10-year-old won the Champion Hurdle in 2018 and is set to attempt to reclaim that crown at Cheltenham in March.

Henderson remains unconcerned by the defeat at Haydock and feels there were positives to take from Saturday's outing despite the setback.

"He's jumped like he always used to – very quick and accurate," said Henderson, as reported by the Racing Post. "I think Nico [De Boinville, jockey] thought he had the winner covered going to the last but then he took a big blow. He didn't like that ground, although you think I would say that wouldn't I?

"He has a run under his belt and he'll come on tons for that. It gives us more time to play with between now and March, so we'll stick to the plan."

He added: "I'd prefer a different result but that's what we have to take. He pulled up sound and everything's alright. There's only one objective and that's what we're aiming at."

Article Posted on Saturday 23rd January 2021 @ 16.32